Chapter 38
The Secret Safe
A week after returning home with baby Mateo, Elena and Alejandro stood in Rosa’s old, cramped room in the servant's quarters. Rosa and Maria had long since been moved to a luxurious guest suite, but the secret remained here.
"Behind the mirror," Alejandro said, carefully pulling the heavy glass frame away from the wall.
Hidden in the plaster was a small, biometric steel safe. Alejandro used a crowbar to pry the old lock open. Inside, covered in dust, was a stack of yellowed letters and medical documents.
Alejandro carefully opened the first letter. It was written in the shaky, elegant handwriting of his late grandfather.
"To my true grandson. If you are reading this, I am gone. I knew of the swap too late to save you from exile, but I never stopped watching you. I built the trust so that only your bloodline could inherit it, ensuring Beatriz would fail. I am so deeply sorry I could not hold you, Alejandro. You are the sole pride of the Valdés family."
Alejandro’s hands shook as he read the words. For thirty-five years, he believed he was discarded trash. Now, he knew he was loved.
May you like
Elena wrapped her arm around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder.
"He was watching over you," she whispered. "And he made sure you found your way back."
